Awards

Public Safety Awards

The Cobb Chamber’s annual Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon and Appreciation Week allows the community to pay tribute to all public safety personnel. To kick off the highly anticipated week, the community attends the Public Safety Luncheon and celebrates the public safety nominees. 

Appreciation Week gives the community the opportunity to band together and show appreciation, not only to the nominees, but to all the hard-working public safety personnel across Cobb County. Business groups, community groups, students and more get together to make and deliver gift baskets, write thank you letters to personnel, deliver catered food or snacks and put messages on their social media or marquees to celebrate and thank public safety agencies throughout Cobb and in Georgia.

Congratulations 2023 Nominees!

Officer Taniesha Palarche
Acworth Police Department

Training/QA Manager Todd Borowski
Cobb County Department of Emergency Communications

Emergency Communications Officer I Jonathon Clark
Cobb County Department of Emergency Communications

Detective Bryan Bridges
Cobb County Police Department

Officer Michael Calhoun
Cobb County Police Department

Officer Christian Gutierrez
Cobb County Police Department

Agent Quinn Lyles
Cobb County Police Department

Detective Dustin Shirley
Cobb County Police Department

Retired/Reserve Police Officer Ronson Smith
Cobb County Police Department

Field Training Officer Taylor Stanford
Cobb County Police Department

Officer Stephen Bagwell
Kennesaw Police Department

Detective Sergeant Kyle Partridge
Kennesaw State University Police Department

Firefighter Jonathan Jimenez
Marietta Fire Department

Officer Denise Hernandez
Marietta Police Department

Officer Paul Hill
Marietta Police Department

AEMT Kevin Donnell
MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service

Paramedic Chris Quigg
MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service

Officer Carson Yates
Powder Springs Police Department

Emergency Management Specialist/Lieutenant Evan McBrayer
Smyrna Fire Department

Captain Joe Paul
Smyrna Fire Department

Units

Austell Engine 1 and Engine 2 C-Shift
Austell Fire Department

Captain Derek Horton, Lieutenant Alfredo Troche, and K9 Officer Alex Hays
Austell Police Department

Truck 22 A-Shift
Cobb County Fire Department

Deputy Sheriff Randall Lossing and Deputy Sheriff Jeremy Hudgins
Cobb County Sheriff’s Office

Shift 4 Deputies and Sergeant
Cobb County Sheriff’s Office

Officer Jared Wheeler, Officer Blake Arnold, Sargeant Coty Thompson, Officer Jessica Richardson, and Officer Andrew Brock
Kennesaw Police Department and Cobb County Police Department

Squad 55
Marietta Fire Department

Unit 325
Puckett EMS

Truck 1
Smyrna Fire Department

Stations 1 & 2 C-Shift
Smyrna Fire Department

R.A.D. Program Staff
Smyrna Police Department

AcworthPolice Department

Officer Palarche is refreshing to work with, as she exhibits the enthusiasm of a rookie while containing the knowledge of a veteran. When an extra shift needs to be picked up, she will take it. Despite the demanding field, she can always find a way to stay positive, and keep those around her feeling more positive as well. When a coworker is confused, whether they are new or just have a small question, Officer Palarche teaches to them patiently and without judgement. Between inspiring them to look at the silver lining, and helping in a way then feel respected, it is not difficult to see why she has earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues.
A skill that is difficult to hone is that of intuition, but Officer Palarche has certainly done so. A skill like this is difficult to teach, but she has built hers up from years of keen observation, situational awareness, and taking information from numerous sources before every decision.
Last December, Officer Palarche was placed into a situation of great danger. She had to face a dangerous person twice her size as he violently attacked her and those nearby. During the length of the incident, Officer Palarche kept the man away from the bystanders at the location, keeping the aggression of the man focused on her. She therefore was attacked violently time and time again, and while there were many justifications for using deadly force, she withheld and attempted to subdue the assailant instead. The bravery demonstrated by Officer Palarche was brilliant and the community is beyond grateful for her. This incident shows how truly determined she is in keeping her community safe.

Cobb County Department of Emergency Communications

QA Manager Todd Borowski has a talent for naturally connecting with others on a personal and emotional level. He has made it his mission to help others understand the importance of mental health. When Borowski joined the Cobb County Department of Emergency Communications, he made it his goal to create a peer support team to help both Cobb DEC and other Emergency Communications Centers. He also works very closely with the Georgia Office of Public Safety Peer Support group to spread the word about peer counseling.
Borowski’s varied and unique experience allows him to know how to respond to many different emotional situations. After local agencies have responded to a crisis, many have sought peer support from him.
Borowski understands and truly cares for people. His caring nature and compassion make him an indispensable professional for Cobb DEC.

Cobb County Department of Emergency Communications

Officer Clark has an amazing ability to stay calm in the face of danger and communicate clearly to those who need assistance. Even when put up against a time limit, he does not let his mind shut down or his quality of aid waiver.
In April of last year, Officer Clark picked up the phone to speak with someone who was in a time sensitive situation. Additionally, the caller spoke a different language than the officer, making communication even more difficult. The people on the other line had a baby who had just been delivered and was still in the amniotic sac. First, Jonathon successfully, with the help of the language line, guided the people on how to tear open the sac. But the difficulties did not stop there. It was then noticed that the baby was not breathing. Even as the fear continued to grow, Officer Clark instructed them how to clear the baby’s airway. The baby was alive and breathing by the time EMS arrived.
Situations such as these are beyond stressful for everyone involved, but Officer Clark did not let that phase him as he responded. By being a pillar of strength, he successfully leads his community to safety.

Cobb County Police Department

Each of us has an intrinsic sense of self preservation. So, when Detective Bryan Bridges threw himself into the line of fire to protect his fallen deputies and those providing aid, it was going against every instinct, but aligned with every one of his morals.
Last September, two officers were shot when delivering a warrant. The situation escalated quickly from what was expected and Cobb County Police Department therefore had to respond quickly. When Detective Bridges arrived on the scene, he had not received a briefing, he was just thrown into the situation. Despite this lack of knowledge, when he saw his fallen deputies and responding officers performing CPR on them, he did not hesitate to immediately grab his weapon and run to their protection. He placed the safety of others above his own, demonstrating extreme courage and bravery. In a situation with immense danger at every turn, Detective Bridges continued to act in the best interest of those around him. Even after jumping into the line of fire, the detective continued to stay on the scene, helping load the fallen deputies into cars, providing cover for the other deputies, and staying on the perimeter until the incident was over.
Detective Brian Bridges possesses a deep care for his team, and for his fellow man. It is this bravery and care that is what makes Detective Bryan Bridges incredible.

Cobb County Police Department

On the night of September 8th, 2022, deputies Ervin and Koleski were fatally shot while delivering a warrant. Police Officer Michael Calhoun was one of the officers dispatched to help after the situation escalated. Officer Calhoun cut through the chaos rather than letting it get to him, and when he saw the two fallen deputies receiving CPR, he did not hesitate to drive his car right between his fellow officers and the location of the shooter. This provided a physical barrier for the numerous policemen who were sitting in the direct line of fire. Officer Calhoun threw aside his own safety in order to protect others. He then climbed out of the vehicle to begin helping with CPR as well. He crawled back into his vehicle to load one of the fallen deputies and take him to a more secure location.
The idea of placing his car, and himself, between the officers and the house was a moment of great bravery and brilliance. For the officers performing CPR, they could feel more at ease about their physical safety and put a greater focus towards saving the fallen deputies. To then continue to help in every way he could, continuously adjusting to the current situation, deserves recognition.

Cobb County Police Department/Precinct Three Evening Watch

On September 8th, 2022, Officer Christian Gutierrez was part of a large number of public safety personnel called to assist when two deputies were fatally shot while delivering a warrant. As he pulled up to the scene, there was a build-up of vehicles, so he had to park far away from the house. He sprinted to the scene, directly into the action. Once there, he noticed officers struggling to get one of the fallen deputies into a vehicle. He ran toward them and assisted, placing himself in the open without cover. He provided lethal cover to the others during the extraction of the first deputy. With barely enough time to catch his breath, he then hurried to help the second deputy into the vehicle as well, once again placing himself in the line of fire.
Officer Gutierrez continued his assistance by delivering a ballistic shield to an officer who needed one, then ran around the house to distribute them there as well. He remained on scene, protecting the perimeter until relieved by the SWAT team. His actions and resourcefulness displayed on September 8th demonstrated his relentless efforts to protect those in need.

Cobb County Police Department/COBRA

In most instances, a traffic guard would be considered a mundane job. But on September 8th, 2022, this was far from the case. Agent Quinn Lyles was dispatched to arrive at the scene where two deputies were shot while attempting to deliver a warrant. As could be imagined, this created an intense amount of panic. Out of panic blossoms chaos. In order to respond to the confusion, lots of help was called to the scene. Once they all responded, the area became extremely crowded, and while the presence of lots of help was good, it also brought along many vehicles. These vehicles crowded the street all around the location, and it made it incredibly difficult to work efficiently. Agent Lyles took notice of this and understanding the importance of having clear roads for efficiency, he took charge and started to direct traffic. As he did so, he placed himself in the direct line of fire knowingly, yet he continued anyway. With increased ability to move, more necessary actions could be taken at an efficient rate, eliminating obstacles from the event that was already overrun with issues.
In normal circumstances, the act of directing traffic is not a particularly dangerous one. But given the circumstances of that night, Agent Lyles demonstrated his bravery and his commitment to help those around him while putting himself in harm’s way. His evaluation of the scene and its necessities was brilliant and complex. Behavior like this is incredible and must be recognized.

Cobb County Police Department

On September 8th, 2022, Detective Dustin Shirley arrived at a chaotic scene with no briefing. Once he saw Deputies Koleski and Ervin lying on the ground with fatal head wounds, he wasted absolutely no time placing himself in the direct line of fire in order to provide protection to the fallen deputies. He then attempted CPR on Deputies Koleski and Ervin in an effort to save them. He was unaware of the location of the shooter inside the house.
During this chaos, Detective Shirley realized they were still in the line of fire and made the intuitive and brave decision to move his fellow officers and deputies to a location that was safer. He continued to help with the fallen deputies until they got safely to patrol vehicles for extraction.
Detective Dustin Shirley’s immediate reaction demonstrates his ability to make rapid emergency decisions and project control over a chaotic and traumatic incident.

Cobb County Police Department/Crimes Against Persons Unit/TBCU

Retired/Reserve Police Officer (RPO) Ronson Smith has been working in public safety for 30 years. His passion for helping and protecting the citizens of Cobb County, or anyone that he can, is expressed daily while on and off duty.
RPO Smith is known for his commitment to seeking justice, for delivering detailed solutions and results, and for finding leads in cases when information has gone cold. He has a rare talent for collecting relevant data that moves cases forward. RPO Smith has taken this talent and used it to advance the Cobb County Police Department (CCPD), by bringing new technology forward and creating a system to make video footage more presentable in court. He is not deterred from working long, odd hours, to produce the desired result. His attitude remained positive throughout it all. RPO Smith is recognized and appreciated by those around him for all that he contributes to his community and workplace.

Cobb County Police Department

It’s amazing when people have one significant event to mark their resume, but it is beyond amazing when their resume is lined with consistent, never-ending events of dedication and strength. Field Training Officer (FTO) Taylor Stanford is a perfect example of the latter. From years of showing up early, taking extra tasks, and providing constant positivity, FTO Stanford has become a person his colleagues look up to and feel safer around. His supervisors consistently prefer him to be on the scene when critical incidents occur. This respect does not come easily. FTO Stanford proves time and time again his incredible skill and his commitment to his community.
In March of 2023, FTO Stanford made three major arrests in the span of an eight-day period, while still conducting his daily Uniformed Patrol Officer tasks. An achievement like this is something that comes from an intense dedication and knowledge for the community. These are far from the only impressive statistics from him. A handful of others include responding to 4,300 calls for service, completing almost 1,200 incident reports, and effected over 366 arrests taking violent offenders off Cobb County streets. He has even been awarded three individual life-saving citations, in which the citizen’s life was saved as a direct result of FTO Stanford’s actions.
Field Training Officer Stanford is an amazing example of dedication to the community. His relentless work, selflessness, maturity, and positivity is beyond admirable, and something everyone should be grateful for and strive to replicate.

Kennesaw Police Department

From January to April of 2023, Officer Stephen Bagwell job performance has exceeded his goals. Not only has he been doing his duties as a uniformed patrol officer, but he has also excelled in his interdiction work. With his consistent efforts to further his professional pursuits, Officer Bagwell has made 20 arrests. Nine of these arrests were also illegal drug cases. Eight of those located were wanted persons, and of those eight, five were in possession of a firearm unlawfully. Through this work, Officer Bagwell has put blood, sweat, and tears into making sure illegal drugs are kept off the streets and out of his community.

Officer Bagwell also commits his time and energy to identifying and documenting gang activity. The Cobb Police Department’s C.A.G.E unit is grateful to have him as a liaison. In a short amount of time, he has demonstrated his skill and dedication to his department, his profession, and to his community.

Kennesaw State University Police Department

Being short-staffed is difficult for everyone in the department, but especially when you are new and learning the ropes. Even though Sergeant Kyle Partridge was new to the Kennesaw State University Police Department, he was promoted to CID sergeant at a time when the department was short staffed. Sergeant Partridge flourished in this difficult environment, taking on numerous tasks and serving as a prime example of dedication to his department.

In fall of 2022, he took over an initiative at Kennesaw State University (KSU) that aims to speed up the investigation process for the most common crimes present on campus. His work includes developing new technologies such as analytic software and GPS devices. Last year, Sergeant Partridge also put considerable time and effort into solving an armed robbery on campus. Through his efforts, he was able to discover the criminal responsible. Sergeant Patridge’s ability to step up for his department has resulted in providing a safe campus for Kennesaw State students, faculty, and visitors.

Marietta Fire Department

While on a jog off-duty, Firefighter Jonathan Jimenez saw a group of five or six people collected around an unconscious man who had collapsed about a minute earlier. Firefighter Jimenez assessed the man’s current state and concluded that he lacked a pulse and had agonal respiration — the man needed CPR. He delivered CPR to the man for 10 minutes until the Cobb County Fire Department Company 19 and MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service arrived on the scene.
If it were not for Firefighter Jimenez’s knowledge of basic life support principles, his willingness to help, and his dedication to help those in need, a life would have been lost that day. But the man survived the incident as Firefighter Jimenez demonstrated his incredible character.

Marietta Police Department

On the morning of August 3rd. 2022, Officer Denise Hernandez and additional officers were dispatched to the scene of a shooting. arrived on the scene of a man who had been shot twice. Located at a gas station, away from any medical building, the dispatched officers discovered that a man had been shot twice. Officer Denise Hernandez grabbed her medical kit and got to work. Her fellow officers gathered around to assist her. She deployed her intensive medical training and experience and carefully worked on the victim, deciding to administer a pressure dressing to the patient.
Once fire personnel arrived, she climbed into the backset and aided with the extraction. When the fire department started working on the patient, they were surprised at the lack of work required — Officer Hernandez had already completed it. Lieutenant Rob Hiller from Cobb Fire Engine 3B made the effort to reach out to Marietta Police Department to make sure Officer Hernandez’s work was recognized. He said that the call to use the pressure dressing was not the typical one in most circumstances, but it was by far the correct one for this victim.
Officer Hernandez saved a man’s life that day due to her incredible medical training, her readiness to act, and her amazing intuition.

Marietta Police Department

Officer Paul Hill has spent numerous years working in Marietta’s elementary schools as a school resource officer. Officer Hill assists children when they are in a crisis, whether they are on the spectrum, have emotional behavior disorders, or possess medical/mental conditions. If a student becomes violent and/or too much for a teacher to handle, he is called in to de-escalate the situation. He is blessed with a true gift and passion for helping children in these circumstances.
Over the past five years, Officer Hill has diligently researched service canines to bring into the classroom. After sifting through thousands of pages of information, visiting out-of-state facilities, and speaking with numerous crisis response facility canine handlers, Officer Hill was able to find a canine partner, Barney. With Barney at his side to help students, de-escalation times have already been dramatically reduced.
The immense passion and dedication shown by Officer Hill has brought such huge benefits to those around him, and his community could not be more grateful for these changes.

MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service

Outside of his career as an EMT, Kevin Donnell and his wife have adopted nine children with fetal alcohol syndrome, caring for and loving each child as their own. Each adoption is open, so the child may visit their birth parents as well. Mr. and Mrs. Donnell, while they have chosen to no longer grow their family, temporarily take in children with fetal alcohol syndrome when they can.
At MetroAtlanta Ambulance, Donnell is known for his caring approach to his work. He is a strong trainer, taking a hands-on approach and always finds time to balance a serious work ethic with a little fun, too.
Even though he is a knowledgeable teacher, Donnell is always eager to learn more. No matter the challenge, Donell is known for his creative, practical solutions.

MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service

Nominated by a fellow colleague, Paramedic Chris Quigg has been described as “the definition of lead by example.” On the MetroAtlanta Ambulance team for 22 years, he is known as a teacher and resource for his fellow medics and team members. Paramedic Quigg has taken his teachings outside of the office and into his community. He is the president of his homeowner’s association, and he has been actively teaching his neighbors CPR.
On October 25, 2022 while playing tennis, a player collapsed in cardiac arrest. His fellow players started CPR and called 911, but they also called off-duty Paramedic Quigg to come help. Quigg did not hesitate to come to the scene and continue CPR until the Cobb Fire Department arrived. When the fire department arrived they took over CPR and defibrillated the patient, the patient ended up getting a pulse back and becoming conscious before he left the tennis courts. The patient made a full recovery because of the fast actions of the people he played tennis with and the quick response of an off-duty medic who was willing to respond even when he didn’t have to.
Not only is Paramedic Quigg willing to help at every given moment, on duty or off, but he also makes an effort for everyone around him to be able to help as well.

Powder Springs Police Department

On October 29th, Officer Carson Yates was the first responder to a runner experiencing a cardiac event on the Silver Comet Trail. While participating in a race, the runner suddenly collapsed onto the ground. The closest runner to the victim immediately began CPR. Another runner dialed 911. When Officer Yates arrived at the scene, he pulled the patient onto a secure and steady surface and took over the CPR. He continued to perform CPR for 10 minutes straight until Cobb County Fire Department (CCFD) arrived to assist. CCFD used an AED to shock the runner, after which he immediately recovered and quickly returned consciousness. So quickly that he could provide information to Officer Yates after three minutes, and his first question was, “Did I win the race?”
Officer Yates’ quick response time and unwavering efforts to keep this man alive while waiting for CCFD was incredible and allowed for the man to keep enjoying life for a while longer.

Smyrna Fire Department

Lieutenant Evan McBrayer has served with Smyrna Fire for 12 years and he has a 16-year career in public safety. Lieutenant McBrayer holds the unique distinction as the first person in the Smyrna Fire Department to hold the title of Emergency Management Specialist. As the first one in this position, he shaped the position of the role, and he provided an excellent example to the department of leading from the front.
Lieutenant McBrayer has demonstrated innovative advances for the department. He started a drone program, executed every detail of the program, including becoming an FFA-certified drone piolet and working with outside agencies. He has also collaborated with other department heads to create a program to help all city departments understand the Emergency Management Agency. In addition, he is developing Smyrna Safe Business with the Smyrna Fire Department, a program which teaches businesses about topics such as cyber security and workplace violence.
The Smyrna Fire Department is grateful for Lieutenant McBrayer and his dedication to advancing the department.

Smyrna Fire Department

Captain Paul is currently a member of the Smyrna Fire Department and has made incredible changes there. For years, the teaching abilities he has demonstrated have benefited numerous people in the community. He is known for his hands-on approach, strong leadership skills, and being an advocate for his personnel. His passion for teaching seeps into all his work and is easily noticed by those around him. He has taught various programs, including the Smyrna Fire Department training cadre and the Safe Kids car seat program.
Captain Paul’s most recent teaching endeavor has been leading the Future Firefighter program. Keeping with his previous pursuits, the program is designed to teach potential candidates about the field of firefighting. The program has no prequalification standards, so anyone can gain the needed tools to be successful for a career in the fire department. Captain Paul puts so much of his time and effort into building this program by maintaining it daily with strong marketing efforts.

Units

Lieutenant Brent Worsham, Firefighter Kam Forrister, Firefighter Matt Landrum, Firefighter Tevin Sims, and Firefighter Chris Robinson | Austell Fire Department


On September 23rd, 2022, Lieutenant Brent Worsham, Firefighter Kam Forrister, Firefighter Matt Landrum, Firefighter Tevin Sims, and Firefighter Chris Robinson of the Austell Fire Department were dispatched to a house fire. Engine 1 pulled up just four minutes after the call. Upon arrival, they were made aware that there were one to two people still inside. One of the firemen entered through a busted window and successfully saved the first resident. With another resident still trapped, the crew immediately went back into the fire. The second resident was on the opposite side of the house, which made the rescue that much more difficult. In a matter of minutes, the second resident was successfully rescued. Once the residents had been extracted, Cobb County Fire arrived on the scene. Firefighter Landrum and Cobb County Battalion Chief Ian Martin helped to treat the burns of the residents. Thanks to the bravery and skill of these public safety personnel, both residents made it out alive and have since healed from their injuries.

Austell Police Department

The Austell Police Department is a team possesing the ability to stay calm and level headed during tenuous situations. On June 17th, 2022, Austell dispatch received a report of a woman on a bridge in visible distress. Within a mere two minutes of the call being dispatched, Austell Police Officers arrived on the scene. Upon attmepting to speak with the woman, it was made clear that she spoke Spanish. K9 Officer Hays approached the woman, with Lieutenant Derek Horton following close behind, and they managed to take ahold of the woman to keep her grounded. Then, Sergeant Alfredo Troche began to communicate with the woman in Spanish. As he began comforting and calming the woman, all three officers guided her to a safer location where she could await medical attention. As Sergeant Troche and a concerned citizens spoke with the woman, it was revealed that she had just received a cancer diagnosis. Luckily, the citizen was familiar with the cancer and assured the woman it was very curable.
Thanks to the three officers that night, the woman was able to safely get off the bridge and receive medical assistance. The situation was very delicate, and the carefulness and calmness demonstrated by the Austell Police Department was remarkable.

Lieutenant Daniel McGraw, Firefighter Christopher Dellerba, Firefighter David Herold, and Firefighter Jacob Nunn | Cobb County Fire Department

Lieutenant Daniel McGraw, Firefighter Christopher Dellerba, Firefighter David Herold, and Firefighter Jacob Nunn of the Cobb County Fire Department have developed a reputation for honoring and mastering firefighting basic skills.
Truck 22’s dedication to performance and resiliency was put into action during a structure fire on October 6th, 2022. After conducting a search at the scene, a man was located inside. Lieutenant Dan McGraw then directed two members of Truck 22 to break a window out. Firefighter Herlod and Firefighter Nunn then crawled inside and took the man out from the only remaining exit. Firefighter Dellerba split off and began fighting the fire. When the man was pulled out, he was not breathing. But, Truck 22 was able to bring back his heartbeat and pulse.
These men continue to build impressive resumes teaching many students and probitionary firefighters, both at their own department and other local ones. This unit has even been invited to teach at national and international industry conferences, including at the renowed Fire Department Instructors Conference. Their dedication to excellence ensures a safer community.

Cobb County Sheriff’s Office

Deputy Lossing and Deputy Hudgins are two fundamental members of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Department. Deputy Lossing develops his leadership skills as he supports others along the way. He increases the efficiency of the department by always trying to improve. Deputy Lossing truly takes his service to heart in all he does. Deputy Hudgins also guides his coworkers, making himself a positve force amongst them. He actively works to expand his knowledge so that he can find ways to serve the public, and he therefore spends a lot of his time with the public in a positive and meaningful way.

A demonstration of the two deputy’s intense commitment to the job occurred on September 8th, 2022. Deputy Hudgins and Deputy Lossing were working with Deputy Jonathon Koleski and Deputy Marshall Ervin. The group was trying to serve a warran at a residential home. After no response, they departed. On the way out, they identified a car that they believed was being driven by the subject of the warrant. Both cars turned around but the car with Deputy Koleski and Deputy Ervin arrived at the house first. Once the first car arrived, an individual with a rifle stepped out of the front door and shot the two deputies. Deputies Lossing and Hodgins pulled up as the shooting took place, watching their fellow deputies fall to the ground. Deputies Lossing and Hodgins immediately ran to the fallen deputies, attempting to save their lives, even though it meant putting themselves in the direct line of fire. They performed CPR on the fallen deputies until their bodies were extracted from the scene.

The courage demonstrated in a moment of intense danger is remarkable. These two men disregarded their own safety to help their fallen deputies. Their actions that day were beyond remarkable and beyond the call of duty.

Cobb County Sheriff’s Office

On February 18th an inmate at the Cobb Adult Detention Center in C-1 experienced a seizure and then went into cardiac arrest. The team responding to this emergency was the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office Shift 4 Deputies and Sergeant Bonito and Weishaar.
Upon learning that an inmate was experiencing a medical emergency, Deputy Guidry determined it was a seizure and issued a code blue. Captain Worth, Sergeant Bonito, Sergeant Weishaar, Deputy McLeroy, Paramedic Ragland, Mental Health Nurse Miller, and LPN Campbell responded to the call. The group moved her to a stretcher and transported her to the Infirmary. As the seizing continued, Charge Nurse Nwankwoh called for an ambulance as Medical Assistant Anderson continued assesment with Paramedic Ragland. At this point, the inmate went into cardiac arrest.
As MA Anderson obtained an AED, Paramedic Ragland, Nurse Smith-White, Nurse Burrell, and Sergeant Bonito began Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation on the patient. Paramedic Ragland kept chest compresions up while waiting for the AED, with Sergeant Bonito taking over partway through. The patient stopped breathing partway through, as the AED analyzed her. Once the inmate breathing began again, Sergeant Bonito stopped chest compresions.
The ambulance was escorted by Deputy Titre and Nurse Williams. Once the patient was in the Trauma Room, the patient was communicating. She was eventually left with Sergeant Bonito and Deputy Floyd. Later on, the patient began seizing again, and Deputy Floyd sought medical assistance as Sergeant Bonito stayed with the patient to assess her. The inmate was eventually stablized and medically cleared.
This story had many names, many locations, and many events. Each public safety personnel was dedicated to saving a life that day. Their commitment, speed, and determination was incredible, and it led to the patient’s full recovery.

Kennesaw Police Department and Cobb County Police Department

On the 28th of December in 2022, Kennesaw Police Officers Blake Arnold and Jared Wheeler got a call about two teenagers playing near a frozen lake. When they arrived to the scene, they could see a boy hanging off the ice with the rest of his body suspended in frigid water. Cobb Police Sergeant Coty Thopson arrived on the scene and presented the idea of reaching a hose out to the boy. Officers Wheeler and Richardson removed their gear to lighten themselves, and began moving onto the ice towards the teen to bring him the hose. Once the boy took hold of the hose, Officer Arnold, Cobb Police Sergeant Thompson, and Cobb Police Officer Andrew Brock began to pull him back to the safety of the shore.
Once back on shore, the teen shared that there was another boy still in the water. Immediately, Officer Wheeler grabbed the hose and ran back onto the ice. But as Officer Wheeler was navigating the ice, it gave way beneath him and he fell in. Luckily, the officers were able to pull Officer Wheeler out of the frigid water, but they quickly determined the rescue was too dangerous without the proper gear.
The rescue efforts put forth by this unit were incredibly honorable. They employed quick thinking, took action, and put their own safety on the line. The crew evaluated the situation and understood what was best given the variables. Thanks to their efforts, the life of a 16-year-old boy was saved.

Marietta Fire Department

On the night of July 2nd, 2022, Squad 55 and Truck 19 of Cobb County Fire Department arrived at Paces Ferry Road to a gruesome and frightful scene. The unit discovered a person whose lower arm was entangled in a commercial meat grinder. In spite of this stressful scene, the members of Squad 55 and Truck 16 were able to remove a part of the machinery which cleared the patient for transporation.
On the way to the hospital, two members of Squad 55 sent two riders with MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service to help the patient on the way to the hospital. On arrival to the hospital, Squad 55 continued their efforts to help, as they assisted removing the patient’s arm from the machinery. This required a great deal of precision and skill to do successfully, and Squad 55 demonstrated that perfectly. Thanks to their work, the patient indured minimal damage to their tissue and had an overall improved outcome after recovery. Due to Squad 55, Truck 19, and MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service, the patient was released within 48 hours of admission.

Puckett EMS

On the morning of March 12th, 2023 Puckett EMS Unit 325 was dispatched to a house fully engulfed in flames. At the scene, the unit learned that there were two victims inside the house, a mother and daughter. The mother was found right inside the doorway confused, but alert. Paramedic/ Sergeant FTO Will Wizner soon realized the mother was taking a turn for the worst. Her skin was hot to the touch, her breathing was ragged with short breathes, and there was soot littered around her nose. He knew there was not much time before her airway could be compromised.
Thankfully, the mother was able to communicate the location of her daughter in the home. Those on scene rushed inside to find her, and by the time they had, she had agonal breathing, which soon turned into cardiac arrest. Given the national shortage of paramedics, Paramedic/Sergeant FTO Wizner knew it would be a while before a second unit could arrive on scene to assist. He and his partner Tim Dingee evaluated the situation and decided to take Cobb County Fire prersonnel with him and transport both patients together.
Unit 325 was on the scene for only 13 minutes. This a seemingly short amount of time in most instances, but in an emergency like this one, a victim’s outcome can change quickly. The unit’s ability to properly asses the situation and work with the lack of needed help is what saved these patients.

Smyrna Fire Department

Smyrna Fire Department’s Truck 1 came to the rescue during a fun lunch among students on March 22. Students were eating and laughing when one of the children began to choke on their food. Someone nearby contacted Smyrna Fire Department, and Truck 1 with Captain Jason Evangelista, Engineer Chris Weaver, Firefighter Marshall Dixon, Firefighter Mason Briggs, and Firefighter Josh Rusher, immedietly responded to the call. While on their way, the situation escalated when the child went into cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, the child was surrounded by countless teachers and students. Members of Truck 1 pushed through and instantly assesed the situation. It did not take long to realize the severity of the child’s condition.
The team quickly began to work, assigning tasks and delgating duties as needed. Despite the extreme stress and panic flooding the room from the numerous onlookers, the team was not distracted, and they carried out every task effectively. They performed CPR and then established an stable airway. Due to their skilled and honed abilities, the team was able to establish a pulse and respitory efforts. They then carried the patient through the afternoon school traffic to the waiting ambulance nearby. The child safely made it to the hospital and was released after multiple days of care.
While the situation did turn grim, the quick, skilled, and decisive thinking displayed by Truck 1 saved a child’s life.

Smyrna Fire Department

On the night of April 20th, 2022, Tollison park was filled with fun and laughter, but this suddenly disapated when someone collapsed on the softball fields. The crew from E2 , consisting of Tim Dobeck, Robert Faillo, and Sam Counts, responded quickly to the dispatch, and navigated their way through the crowds to find a man, 64 years old, lying face up on the ground. He had no pulse and was not breathing.
The crew immediately initiated Advanced Cardiac Life Support on the patient. They informed dispatch of what was going on and were informed that MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service did not have any available units. In fact, this was the case for Puckett, Grady, and Atlanta Medical Center. MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service (MAAS) could send a unit but it would be coming from Paulding County and would take some time. So, R1, consisting of Bryan LaBar and Travis Rockwell, and B1 from the Smyrna Department responded with backup. These teams stayed and worked with the patient relentlessly. He was shocked five times, given epinephrine and amiodarne, and had an airway secured. For 40 minutes, the crews worked together to keep this man alive. They brought about a return of circulation in the patient and there was a present pulse again as he began attmepting to breathe on his own. Finally, MAAS arrived on the scene to transport the patient. Firefighter Rockwell remained with the patient through the ride to continue assistence.
Despite the challenges When someone is having a medical emergency, a softball dugout is not the ideal location. The C-shift from Smyrna Fire Department’s Stations 1 and 2 were very limited in their environment while dealing with a man close to death. This was only made worse by the lack of transportation. To keep a man alive in the environment for so long is truly a testament to the amazing skill of those present. Their dedication and perfected abilities saved a man from a very hopeless situation.

Smyrna Police Department

There are people to protect citizens from danger in this world, but what about when they cannot arrive in time? What if you need to proect yourself? It is a scary thought, but the staff at Smyrna Police Department is making sure to prevent this reality as much as possible. For the past six years, Smyrna Police Department has run a program for women’s self defense. It teaches women anywhere from 14 to 80 years old how to protect themselves if they are attacked. It is vital to know how to defend yourself. The women at Smyrna Police Department recognize this importance, so they put their blood, sweat, and tears into ensuring the program’s success. Their efforts are paying off, women have come as far as Douglas, Coweta, and DeKalb counties to participate in the course.
Classes are taught monthly, with an average size of 20 to 30 women. Over the span of 2022-2023, well over 200 women have been trained. That is 200 women who can feel safer and protect themselves from harm wherever they may go. Many testimonies are often shared during the program of how impactful it has been for them. One of the most recent was especially moving. A women had been attacked and luckily gotten away, but she felt unsafe to go out in public anymore. The class restored her confidence to go out and live her life.
Andrea Boyes, Sarah Cramer, Lisa Lee, and JaVonda Ware have been described as “the heartbeat of the program.” The women of Smyrna and beyond are so grateful for them.

Contact:
Katie Guice

770-859-2334

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